ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Dr. Bhagwati Swaroop Johari 88 years old , born on November 17, 1931 and passed away peacefully on October 14, 2020. We will remember him forever.

Please read about his life in the "LIFE" section and feel free to add your tributes and stories you may recall in the STORIES section. Feel free to add pictures you may have of dear papa. 

We have created a fundraiser in memory of Dr. B. S. Johari who strongly believed in education for all, particularly for women.  The fundraiser is for VAMA (Bal Mahila Vikas Samiti), an NGO based in Gwalior, India and located in Lashkar, where Dr. Johari grew up. Please contribute to this in honor of Dr. B. S. Johari.
They accept payments in all currencies and issue tax deduction receipts
https://fundraisers.giveindia.org/campaigns/dr-b-s...
November 17, 2021
November 17, 2021
Remembering respected Mamaji on his birthday,. Sincerely wish he is in Peace and is happy wherever he is today.
Keeping blessing us
November 8, 2020
November 8, 2020
From Ashok Gupta (UK) ...
Neehairka and Pao have conveyed condolences but I wanted also to say to you all how sorry I was to hear of Phuphaji's passing away. I remember him as always jovial and thoughtful, someone who took an interest in other people and who enjoyed the company of family.
When Mummy (Malti mami) passed away last year, and then my father, I found some comfort in the thought that those who pass away are only continuing their journey. They held your hand in one part of their journey. Now they are reunited with others who they have loved. They live on in our brothers and sisters.
Buaji's loss is immeasurable and I am sure she will be very well supported by all of you.
November 7, 2020
November 7, 2020
Message from Pratibha Verma ...

raju, though I decided to watch & bid a last goodby to someone I highly respected & who loved me as his youngest sister, could not gather courage to watch as I was feeling a bit depressed and unwell. Lokesh & Madhudee told me they were there. Thanks dear, for the picures, I could do Antim Darshan & am saying my prayers from long distance from Muscat to my eldest brother who always inspired me to be dedicated & hard working-professional & rationale as well as down to earth. During my last encounter with him at Boston he gifted me two of the books authored by him & Bhabhiji. By the time I finished reading got motivated to study our scriptures. Trying.. started with commentary of Bhagwan Gita by SWAMI Chinmayananda..             I am so glad you guys did his Antim Sanskaar by Vidi Vidhan. He was very religious as I know him as Pitaji & Dada are almost replica of each other not only in lookas by in their approach to life. May be a combination of gene pool & same upbringing in the same household by same elders.                       May his soul rest in peace in the arms of the Almighty himself. Jai Maa Ambe. Oum Shanti
October 27, 2020
October 27, 2020
This is a collage of messages I received from our dear family friend - the Johris from Byculla.
Seema writes............

Dear Sarika, I’m saddened to hear the news of Uncle’s passing. He has been a rock - knowledgeable, intelligent, hard working, with a sense of humor and a positive person. I’d been thinking of the Johri family for the last few days and had wanted to talk to you. Would love to talk to you when the time is right at your end. We’d like to convey our heartfelt condolences to Auntie, You, Raju, Sanju and your families. ❤️

On behalf of Uncle & Aunty Johri.......

Dear Sarika, It is difficult to witness the loss of a dear friend for them. Mummy recently related the story from the old days when Uncle taught Mummy Linguistics - she said she passed the course because of him. I have fond memories from our visits to your home and many Kayasth Sabha events. Uncle used to pick us up and somehow all 10? of us fitted in your car. Take care at this difficult time. 

Our families have been close for so many years- I remember all of the above & then some......
When we would casually drop in to your home after dinner for some ‘guppe’ The parents would be chatting in the liv rm & we girls would be exchanging fashion tips & college gossip in the other rooms.
We so willingly exchanged each other’s clothes.
I also remember our experiments wit cooking veg Chinese food!!!
Those were the days- (simple days)
October 25, 2020
October 25, 2020
Dear Uncle,

Namaste! So many wonderful memories of our time with you and Auntie over the years!

We will all greatly miss your warmth, the deep interest you would take in us - your dear “Raju’s” friends - as to how we were doing. You took the time to get to know each of us - including our families - and our extended family in Mumbai.

Visiting and spending time with you - whether in Mumbai or here in Los Altos Hills never felt any different than visiting our own family - that’s how comfortable you would make us feel!

I especially remember playing cards in Mumbai with you and Auntie - all that wonderful food - and most important your stories of Raju over the years, the Bollywood artists In your neighborhood and their struggles and triumphs, looking through old photo albums together with you and Auntie.

You always had sage advice on various topics. Maybe I didn’t show it - but I can tell you that I would go off and think about it - and always found it helpful as I knew it came from a good place - and you wanted only the best of success for all of us.

You were clearly the moral compass of the Johari family - the core foundation for the values and culture that comes through every day - and it’s reflected in the wonderful kids and grandkids that you and Auntie can be so proud of (Sandeep, I will save any roasting for your next milestone birthday :))

As these crazy COVID times get behind us - we hope to see Auntie - and we will continue to celebrate your wonderful life and legacy - and go over some of the stories and photos of times with you from over the years with her and your family......

You are now in a better place, but you will remain in our hearts.....

With love and regards
Mani
October 22, 2020
October 22, 2020
I first met Uncle in June of 1989. Like Anish mentioned in his Eulogy, there is a lot of Uncle in Sandeep, and I felt it right away, the same feeling when I first met Sandeep in August of 1984. A feeling of warmth and sincerity.

Since that meeting I have been fortunate to spend time with dear Uncle on-off all these years and hear about his incredible journey of 9 decades. Food as Aarti mentioned was one the things very dear to Uncle’s heart. Shameem and I made sure that he had his favorite goat Briyani whenever he came home and there have not been many guests over all these years who relished and truly enjoyed it, like he did. We will always fondly remember Uncle and miss him whenever we indulge.

Dr Abdul Kalam, India’s ex-President and an Aerospace scientist put it eloquently:

“One day, we all will depart, on a journey free of cost.
Don’t worry about a seat reservation, it is confirmed.
The flight is always on time. Our good deeds will be our luggage.
Humanity will be our passport. Love will be our visa.
Make sure we do our best to travel to Heaven in Business class.”

Uncle had excess baggage, a diplomatic passport/visa, and in fact travelled, First Class.

I am sure you are soaring high in your “Uran Khatola”, to a much better place, which you fully deserved and earned. Keep the Dilip Kumar smile going, dear Uncle. Love.
October 20, 2020
October 20, 2020
We will miss you Phuphaji, We have beautiful memories of childhood when you and Buaji used to visit us in Jhansi .I still remember helping out mummy in what ever way I could for the grand meal that was cooked for their welcome . Phuphaji used to relish it so much and praise Mummy . Being the youngest in our family , I was a bit shy to talk , but Dad would want me to sing . I still remember how much he used to praise my singing especially “Lakdi ki kathi “ song . Every visit to Jhansi was so memorable and fun .
Poonam Didi shared about her visit to California and the loving relationship between Buaji and Phuphaji . During the last few months, it was nice to talk to both Bua, Phuphaji .
You will be deeply missed Phuphaji
October 19, 2020
October 19, 2020
Where does one begin,when I am going to pour my heart at the very end ...Dearest Uncle has ended his life s journey and knowing him he must have gone peacefully ..
I considered myself his daughter only ..the love and care Adesh and me always got from Auntie and Uncle is unforgettable ..
My first ENCOUNTER with uncle was when I was age 8 ..we as a family were on our first family train journey to Bombay...for an Eye Conference...and there right from Dadat station ,someone had got onto the train ,into our compartment ,and who was screaming away at my dad...For us that was first dose of true love of a friend .He was so angry that we as a family were not getting down at Dadar ,but proceeding to Bombay..On the station ,My mothers best friend Dr Karande s and also my Bade Mama were there...Ab Kahan Jayain..
That vacation of Mumbai was most memorable one ...Friendship between the second generation also bloomed..Karande aunties three kids and Johari Uncles kids I was so fond of Sarika ...But the best past starts after I got married..Adesh and me got so close to both these best friends of our both parents ..Year after year our Mumbai trips would not be complete if we wouldn't visit this most adorable duo..
My last visit was when Piyush was also there and uncle gifted me sparkling wine bottles..auntie would always prepare the mutton Biryani for Adesh ..
When auntie uncle would come to Rewari, they would stay at my place...my father feeling so annoyed..ki tune mera friend cheen liya hai..
We both have learnt a lot about respecting partners in a marriage by observing these two wonderful ,complimentary couple..
And yes the short story auntie wrote when Sanju left for overseas, I have it with me ..whenever I read it ,theres a lump in my throat.
Auntie Uncle, ..for last couple of years we were not in touch ,but to know you both were so happy and well looked after by all the kids .special mention of Vandi...its heartening ..
I will search photos of auntie uncle of their visits to Rewari and upload them too ..Thankyou for this site ..
Have loved you both very much ..and shall continue to love you both and shall always think of you Together .. Three of you are very lucky to have such a wonderful set of Parents 
Stay Happy
October 19, 2020
October 19, 2020
This tribute for papa from Sheel & Aditi Saxena of
Boston......

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Mausaji. I will remember him fondly. My visits to India were a bit isolating at times, as I was one of the few ABCDs in the family (at that time) which made me quite shy and prone to awkward conversations with people of Mataji's generation.

But your father was different. He made me feel so comfortable and, more importantly, included, in the larger family gatherings. When I think of people of my Mataji's and Nanaji's generation, he was the only one who ever tried to make me laugh, which made visits to and being visited by Mausaji and Mausiji an experience I always looked forward to. Given that my paternal grandfather passed away before I was born, I could tell, just by how Dad interacted with him, that it was like he stepped into that absence. If I may be informal, Mausaji was an awesome guy!

Our thoughts are with you.

Sheel and Aditi
October 18, 2020
October 18, 2020

Phoophaji(Dr. Johari) was the damaad, husband of our beloved Pushpa Bua, the only sister amongst 3 brothers. I remember when he used to visit Jhansi, the whole family welcomed him with open arms more so because of his jovial personality- cracking jokes, giving his advise as a doctor to family members regarding health issues, blending into the family, adoring our Buaji. I had a memorable visit about 3 years bk when he was in California. Shared so many stories I did not know before, starting from how he met Bua, their wedding in Jhansi, my dad Ravi Saxena- crediting him for Bua's music journey in Jhansi and being a protective brother for Bua whenever she needed him,before marriage...The warm relation he shared with Bua has become an inspiration for us to lead happy married lives as couples. One important advice he gave me during that trip was to share meals with family together as much as possible coz that is one tradition which binds a family together. Rest in peace Phoophaji. We miss you!
October 18, 2020
October 18, 2020
Dr B S Johri, aka Johri Mama, I got to know him as a person pretty late in my life when I got posted in Mumbai and Rajjan Mama introduced us. From day one I really loved Johri Mama and Mami for their warm affectionate nature. Theteafter we always stayed in touch . I learnt about their love for performing arts and I made sure to send them invites for the IndianOil Sangeet Sabha.
It was always very amusing to watch Johri mama-mami, Rajjan Mama and our mother (their Shanta jijji) to indulge in their Lashkar Gwalior stories.

As a kid way back in 1970-71, I remember visting their home in Lashkar with Mom when I had met Shashi Mausi and Rajesh Mausi Ji.

I shall always, cherish my association with Rev. Mamaji. He was so active till I last met him in Mumbai.

I am sure he is in peace in heaven and will continue to bless all his near dear ones.
October 17, 2020
October 17, 2020
Hello all, please leave your tributes for Baba here.

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Recent Tributes
November 17, 2021
November 17, 2021
Remembering respected Mamaji on his birthday,. Sincerely wish he is in Peace and is happy wherever he is today.
Keeping blessing us
November 8, 2020
November 8, 2020
From Ashok Gupta (UK) ...
Neehairka and Pao have conveyed condolences but I wanted also to say to you all how sorry I was to hear of Phuphaji's passing away. I remember him as always jovial and thoughtful, someone who took an interest in other people and who enjoyed the company of family.
When Mummy (Malti mami) passed away last year, and then my father, I found some comfort in the thought that those who pass away are only continuing their journey. They held your hand in one part of their journey. Now they are reunited with others who they have loved. They live on in our brothers and sisters.
Buaji's loss is immeasurable and I am sure she will be very well supported by all of you.
November 7, 2020
November 7, 2020
Message from Pratibha Verma ...

raju, though I decided to watch & bid a last goodby to someone I highly respected & who loved me as his youngest sister, could not gather courage to watch as I was feeling a bit depressed and unwell. Lokesh & Madhudee told me they were there. Thanks dear, for the picures, I could do Antim Darshan & am saying my prayers from long distance from Muscat to my eldest brother who always inspired me to be dedicated & hard working-professional & rationale as well as down to earth. During my last encounter with him at Boston he gifted me two of the books authored by him & Bhabhiji. By the time I finished reading got motivated to study our scriptures. Trying.. started with commentary of Bhagwan Gita by SWAMI Chinmayananda..             I am so glad you guys did his Antim Sanskaar by Vidi Vidhan. He was very religious as I know him as Pitaji & Dada are almost replica of each other not only in lookas by in their approach to life. May be a combination of gene pool & same upbringing in the same household by same elders.                       May his soul rest in peace in the arms of the Almighty himself. Jai Maa Ambe. Oum Shanti
His Life

A fulfilling life!!

October 18, 2020
Dr Bhagwati S. Johari MD was born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India on November 17, 1931 to  Suraj Narain Johari  and Kamala Devi. He was the oldest of five siblings, followed by 3 sisters Rajesh, Sarla and Shashi and then Sanjay the youngest.

His father,  Suraj Narain was a Chartered Accountant for the local Royal family and inculcated in him an ethic of work, order and responsibility that he maintained till his passing. He rapidly progressed academically and found himself at the GR Medical College in 1951. After completing his undergraduate medical education he completed his Residency in General Medicine earning a MD in 1958.

Marriage to his beloved wife, Pushpa Saxena of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh followed in 1959. His children Sarika, Sandeep and Piyush soon followed. 

He moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1960 to join Jagjivan Ram Railway Hospital and later moved to MGM Hospital, Parel to practice Internal Medicine. After his retirement from MGM he joined PD Hinduja hospital and his own private clinic in Worli and Mahim.  He was loved by his patients and their families who he cared for many years with attention and compassion. He was unfailing in his love of Medicine and saw it as a calling and always remembered and lived true to the Hippocratic Oath. He retired after a long and successful career in 2008.

He then shifted his talents to exploring the social history of his community of Kayasthas and co-authored a book “Kayasthas, Ek Anveshan“ with his wife.  Another book soon followed titled “Upanishads Made Easy”. Both books were published in English and Hindi and were well received.

He was a deeply religious person and believed that Durga mata in her form of the protective mother goddess would protect the family. Nothing would come in the way of his twice daily pujas and the 9 day Navratri puja culminating in a havan on the last day.

In the Indian tradition, at home he was never called by his given name. He was variously called “Bhaiyya” “Papa” “Dada” “Mama” and even “Suniye” depending on who addressed him. He wore a light- hearted demeanor, quick with a joke and quicker with a comeback. He was practicing Telemedicine (with countless family members all over India) before it was even called that! The Hindu humanistic tradition of a moral and principled life was what he modeled. His service to friends and family was legendary and many will remember his role in their hour of need. His  conviction of the importance of Professional education was unwavering in keeping with the learning traditions of his family and Kayasthas. He supported a long line of proteges in their pursuit of a higher education and good values. He hosted many of them in Mumbai for extended periods.  

He leaves behind his wife Pushpa of 61 years, and the families of his daughter Sarika Saxena of Needham MA (Pradeep/Akriti/Abhinav), son Sandeep Johri of Los Altos Hills CA (Aarti/Anish/Nitika) and son Piyush Johari of Longmeadow MA (Vandita/Sharvari/Sanjiti) in addition to extended and close  families in Nashik, Mumbai, Hamirpur and Bharatpur India.

He was highly respected, revered and appreciated as the patriarch of the extended family. On his next journey he will continue to guide us and will always be by our side.

Recent stories

My first ‘date’ with Pradeep

October 19, 2020
I was introduced to my husband Pradeep by Papa & Mummy. After a few meetings at home & outings accompanied by brothers & cousins it must ‘ave crossed papa’s mind that as per the norms of the present he should step out of his comfort zone & let the young couple go for an outing by themselves. We were then allowed to go for a lunch ‘date’. We, being young & carefree decided to go to Juhu beach after lunch in south Bombay. Those were the days sans cell phones, so by the time we got back home it was dusk & we found papa pacing up & down at the outside gate of MGM hospital. He was not too pleased by my recklessness but as per his culture and traditional values he was respectful to his ‘damad’ and I was spared a lecture by him. 
These memories are so close to my heart, papa.
You will always live in my heart forever. Thankyou for being my papa

A strict father yet a gentle soul

October 19, 2020
While growing up I often faced papa’s objections- a very natural clash of generations! I wanted to indulge in the latest fashions & participate in college socials much to papa’s dismay. He was conservative (as per Bombay standards) & so protective of his only daughter that he ordered both my brothers to chaperone me whenever I went to JJ architecture college night events. As a result most of my friends became my brothers’ friends too & to this day we recollect papa’s car loaded with teenagers roaring down Marine drive at night. We did have a curfew & he kept awake to make sure we were home safe. 

Johri Mama "The Ace Doctor"

October 18, 2020
I remember back in 2002, my elder sister had just come back after her tenure with NHK, Tokyo. During her last executive health checkup back there in Tokyo, she was advised to get few detailed investigations done as they suspected some complication in her heart functioning. Once back in Delhi she consulted some cardiologist in a reputed hospital who recommended her to undergo engiography. 

Learning this recmmendation, I requested Babbi di to come to Mumbai so that we can seek second opinion. When we met Johri Mama ji with didi's report, Mamaji examined Di and said, देखो बेटा मुझे कोई खास problem दिखाई नहीं देती, पर चलो doubly sure होने को तुम thalium test करवा कर रिपोर्ट मुझे दिखा देना। 

We got the test done at Hinduja Hospital which hardly cost us anything and we got the report in two days. When we took the report to Mamaji, he had a Hearty laugh and said Bubbli your heart is mych younger than your age, such healthy heart performance you See at an age of 30+, go and enrol yourself for marathon. 

Such good was his diagnosis. Babbi di till date has no health problems till date and is the most active person in the family. She is 65 now.

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